Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/299775
Mossie - Posted - 02/22/2015: 10:53:43
Am aware that comparison is odious...but I hope to buy my rest of life banjo when in USA in May. I was in Mandolin Bros a few years ago and was smitten by Reiter banjos . Lately I am intrigued by the look of Masten banjos. I have read reviews aplenty. I would appreciate any feedback with regard to either of these very very good banjos.
Edited by - Lynne on 03/04/2015 10:27:38
DH#52 - Posted - 02/22/2015: 10:58:01
I don't have an opinion as to the importance differences--although I have owned one of Brooks's banjos--but you should know that you can generally find a Reiter banjo in stock at some stores, but Brooks has a longish waiting list to get one, so they might be a little harder to find on a trip to the States.
Steve
jbalch - Posted - 02/22/2015: 11:14:58
You simply can't go wrong either way. I personally prefer Reiter banjos. They are my "rest of my life" instruments for sure. They are reliable and sound great in the studio, onstage and for everyday use.
However, Brooks certainly builds fantastic instruments too. He offers styles, features and customization that Bart does not. I think they are also higher priced.
One more difference to consider is scale length. Bart's standard models are 26 1/4". Brooks are 25 1/2". That much difference is noticeable. You might have a preference for one or the other.
Best wishes!
erikstill - Posted - 02/22/2015: 11:45:52
I have never played a Brooks banjo, but i do own a Reiter and it is my lifer. I dont think you will find anyone on this board that will tell you anything but good things about Bart's banjos. But on the other hand brooks banjos are mighty pretty. I was just looking at one of his spun rims. If you cant play em side by side then I would go with what you know you like for sure. Especially since you might not make it back states side for a couple more years to go banjo shopping again. But like John said you cant go wrong either way.
ScottK - Posted - 02/22/2015: 12:46:20
I agree with the previous replies. Brooks and Bart both make great banjos, so it'll get down to your individual preferences in banjo style, features, and sound. Or if you are trying to buy off-the-shelf during your visit, what's available when and where you are visiting.
I have a Reiter Whyte Laydie, a Reiter internal resonator tenor (rare find on BHO classifieds a few years back), and a Brooks 10L fretless and love all of them. That said, my day-to-day work-horse is a Ramsey Student. Go figure.
Happy banjo hunting!
Scott
Fairbanks - Posted - 02/22/2015: 14:01:09
I have owned quite a few banjos over the years and only own one now......and it is a Bart Reiter banjo. It is the Standard A-flat scale banjo with a scale of 24 3/4.
Edited by - Fairbanks on 02/22/2015 14:02:03
banjered - Posted - 02/22/2015: 14:15:47
Bart's banjos are outstanding but I prefer the sound, lightness and feel of the thinner rimmed banjos such as Ramsey and Masten. Banjered
banjo bill-e - Posted - 02/22/2015: 14:35:56
The good news is that you can't go wrong here. You will wind up with an outstanding banjo either way. I advocate not having preconceived ideas about what you want. Go to where the banjos are, play a few, and see which one chooses you.
zac987 - Posted - 02/22/2015: 14:49:39
I think Brooks has a better overall design aesthetic. His banjos play absolutely effortlessly. However, his banjos are generally more expensive. Definitely something to consider.
R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 02/22/2015: 16:07:49
Reiter banjos are great. You could easily be happy with one from now on.
He does make a number of models. Even though Reiters are "of-the-shelf",
the question will be whether the model you want is in stock at the time.
You can of course order from Bart directly, but maybe you are trying to avoid
an overseas shipping fee by buying when you are in the U.S.
Your phrase, "rest of my life banjo" makes me think you may want to lean in Brooks'
direction because you can have him make you a custom banjo that will have all of the features
exactly as you want them. I think Brooks makes the best playing necks around these days.
Brooks is very involved in the OT scene so he also knows how to get the different sounds you may want.
You'd have to check with him, but I think somewhere around a six-month wait may be where he's
at. Obviously you'll have to have it shipped.
You won't go wrong either way.
I have a 12" "A"-scale by Brooks as well as an 1886 Dobson he made a neck for.
Also own a Reiter A-Scale like RW is playing... and a bunch of other stuff too.
Deciding which banjo to buy?
That's a good problem to have!!!
Mossie - Posted - 02/22/2015: 23:58:44
Thanks for the replies. It certainly is a good problem and am enjoying having it. Will let you know the result.
Fairbanks - Posted - 02/23/2015: 05:16:42
....by the way, if I had the money, I would order a custom 30l silverspun Brooks Masten with curly maple neck, clown peghead, no inlay, and just small position dots. I have been wanting that one for a long time....even spoke to Brooks about building it about 5 years ago. I should just order it and get it over with.
JanetB - Posted - 02/23/2015: 17:25:15
There are a couple of Brooks Masten banjos in the classifieds right now:
banjohangout.org/classified/49420 and banjohangout.org/classified/49703
I have a Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie and use it whenever I need a little more punch and volume with my Sunday group and don't wish to use a resonator. It's a beauty and a keeper with clear, bright tone.
R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 02/23/2015: 17:39:38
quote:
Originally posted by RWJonesy
....by the way, if I had the money, I would order a custom 30l silverspun Brooks Masten with curly maple neck, clown peghead, no inlay, and just small position dots. I have been wanting that one for a long time....even spoke to Brooks about building it about 5 years ago. I should just order it and get it over with.
Not that everyone shouldn't have a Brooks, but your playing on your Reiter is great RW. You're getting a really nice tone out of it.
Fairbanks - Posted - 02/24/2015: 04:22:18
Thank you RD! Semper Fi Leatherneck!
JeremyS - Posted - 02/25/2015: 14:32:16
I haven't played a Masten Banjo, but I do own both a Burns Overspun Dobson (which I figure to be similar) and a Reiter Standard banjo. In my opinion, Bart Reiter makes some awesome banjos, even with the Standard model of his. I dont know the wait time for Brooks...my Burns was about 2 years and worth it. However Elderly always seems to have a good supply of Reiter banjos. If you really want a Masten banjo you better put your deposit down right now and be ready for the "wait". However if you would rather get a banjo in your hands sooner than then, a Reiter would definitely be awesome still.
maplevega - Posted - 02/25/2015: 16:25:09
I've owned three Bart Reiters and they were all wonderful banjos. I am sure one of Brook's would be wonderful as well....hope I find out one day.
R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 02/25/2015: 17:58:18
Brooks' wait is nowhere near 2 years (I know you didn't specifidally say it was Jeremy).
Brooks' site says 3-6 months, which is outstanding for a handmade banjo. He mentions
that something more unique could be longer, but we're still talking an outstanding turnaround.
You really owe it to yourself to check with Brooks.
I just received what would be considered a more unusual banjo from Brooks in 6 months, and
this time period included the holiday season.
I agree that you can get a Reiter quick. They are outstanding banjos.
Since you were looking for that "lifetime" instrument, Brooks immediately
came to mind, not only for his quality, but also the sheer range of his repertoire
when it comes to making a custom instrument with the widest selection of features
available. With that in mind, a comparatively short wait and a shipping charge pales.
A lifetime banjo? Will a couple hundred bucks and a few months wait even matter 25 years from now?
maplevega - Posted - 02/25/2015: 18:01:09
Also, Brooks is kind enough to put a few banjos a year on BHO for sale.
rudy - Posted - 02/25/2015: 19:41:50
quote:
Originally posted by Mossie
Thanks for the replies. It certainly is a good problem and am enjoying having it. Will let you know the result.
Just message Brooks and tell him you'll take that 12" Dobson in the classifieds. That's an awesome piece of machinery! 
Edited by - rudy on 02/25/2015 19:44:35
JanetB - Posted - 02/25/2015: 19:49:30
That last post by Rudy is good advice. I emailed Brooks to ask for a sound file of that banjo in the classified ads here, and he and his son are now preparing a video. Also, I saw an interview by Craig Evans on his Banjo Builders Series featuring Brooks, which I now want to see again, especially with RD's excellent commendation. It sounds like a good possibility for you, Mossie, if that's what you're looking for.
stevel - Posted - 02/25/2015: 20:29:46
I should have my new Brooks banjo in about a month.
maplevega - Posted - 02/26/2015: 06:56:06
quote:Exciting!!!!!!!
Originally posted by stevel
I should have my new Brooks banjo in about a month.
mipake - Posted - 03/03/2015: 18:53:45
So how do the Enoch banjos stack up with Brooks and Reiter? I am looking to buy a 12" half-fretless with brass plate at the top. I am interested in the best banjo for the money.
Can all these banjos be seen at a festival?
rudy - Posted - 03/03/2015: 19:39:29
I have a couple of friends that have custom Enochs. Kevin really excels at the custom stuff and his inlay and marquetry work is superb.
the-fish - Posted - 03/05/2015: 15:34:43
Ive owned many of each. I like the longer scale length of the Reiter. And Still wonder why I sold my bracket band tubaphone? I currently own an early Brooks #40 and its a keeper... I think the Reiter is a bit brighter than a Brooks. But working with Brooks is a treat like no other. Excellent communication, and you wont get your banjo until it is perfect!!!!
bohemian - Posted - 03/05/2015: 16:46:45
My BBF is a Bart Reiter..
I have purchased three, two new and one used. All superb.
